Goal training apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for developing goal scoring skills is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a goal, and a three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure is configured to replicate a human goalkeeper to improve a training experience for a user. The apparatus is useful for developing and improving goal scoring skills, and preferably, for developing and improving hockey goal scoring skills.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of sports training apparatus of existing art and more specifically relates to a goal training apparatus for developing goal scoring skills.

RELATED ART

In sports, the meaning of “goal” may either refer to an instance of scoring, or to a physical structure whereby an attacking team deposits a projectile (such as a ball or puck) therein to score points. For many sports, each goal structure usually consists of two vertical posts supporting a horizontal crossbar. A goal line marked between the goal posts defines the goal area. Thus, the objective is to send the ball or puck between the goal posts and across the goal line.

In some sports, such as ice hockey and field hockey, the goal is the sole method of scoring. In these sports the final score is the number of goals scored by each team, with the winner being the team with the highest number of goals. Because of this, the ability of each player to be able to score a goal is integral to winning the game, and as such, it is important for players to practice shooting skills often.

It is vital for players to be able to practice with goalkeepers so that they can get used to shooting at a goal whilst a goalkeeper is moving and maneuvering within the goal to deflect their shots. However, it is not always possible for players to train with real life goalkeepers. Thus, there exists a need for a life-like human goalkeeper training apparatus to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known sports training apparatus art, the present disclosure provides a novel goal training apparatus. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an apparatus which replicates a human goalkeeper, including their movements, appearance, and size, to enable a user to practice and develop their goal scoring skills.

An apparatus for developing goal scoring skills is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a goal which may include a frame having at least a left-side post, a right-side post, a top crossbar, and a bottom crossbar. The frame may further include a net affixed thereto which may define a front opening. A three-dimensional structure may also be provided. The three-dimensional structure may be configured to replicate a human goalkeeper and may include at least a head, a torso, two arms and two legs. The three-dimensional structure configured to attach to the frame of the goal via an attachment means.

According to another embodiment, a method of using the apparatus for developing goal scoring skills is also disclosed herein. The method includes providing the apparatus as above; attaching the three-dimensional structure to the frame of the goal via the attachment means; placing the three-dimensional structure at a desired location in the goal; pivoting the three-dimensional structure about the vertical axis to a desired angle relative to the goal; adjusting a height of the three-dimensional structure to a desired height relative to the goal; and aiming and shooting a projectile at the goal.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a goal training apparatus, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front side view of an apparatus during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sports training apparatus and more particularly to a goal training apparatus as used to improve goal scoring skills of a user.

Generally disclosed is a hand-eye development apparatus which may be used during early development of learning to shoot a ball or puck. The apparatus may include a life-size three-dimensional cutout of a goalkeeper which may be positioned on a goal to offer an opening to shoot a puck or ball into a net of the goal. The goalkeeper may be attached to the goal via a clamp, which may allow for easy adjustment of the goalkeeper between different positions.

The goalkeeper may be moved from side to side or adjusted to specific openings for shots, depending on an angle that the user is standing in. The user may adjust an angle, level, height or position of the goalkeeper relative to the goal. Points to the user may be awarded when a puck or ball passes through the opening between the goalkeeper and into the net.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-7B, various views of an apparatus for developing goal scoring skills (“apparatus” 100).

FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the apparatus 100 may include a goal 110, and a three-dimensional structure 120. As shown, the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to attach to a frame 112 of the goal 110. The apparatus 100 may be used for developing goal scoring skills. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be used for developing hockey goal scoring skills.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7B showing various views of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The goal 110 may include the frame 112 having at least a left-side post 114, a right-side post 116, a top crossbar 118, a bottom crossbar 119, and a net 111 affixed thereto and defining a front opening 113. The three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to replicate a human goalkeeper 122 and may include at least a head 123, a torso 124, two arms 125 and two legs 126. Preferably, the goal 110 may be a hockey goal 115 and the human goalkeeper 122 may be a hockey goalkeeper 127. Further, the hockey goalkeeper 127 may include a hockey stick 12 attached about one of the two arms 125. However, the apparatus 100 is not just limited to hockey. Other uses are contemplated, such as for soccer, polo, water polo, frisbee golf, handball, lacrosse, and the like.

Preferably, the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to replicate a life-size human goalkeeper 122. As such, a size of the three-dimensional structure 120 relative to the goal 110 may be dictated by type of goal 110. For example, the life-size human goalkeeper 122 may fill out the front opening 113 of the hockey goal 115 more than the life-size human goalkeeper 122 would in a soccer goal, as the hockey goal 115 may be smaller than the soccer goal.

The three-dimensional structure 120 may be moveable about and in relation to the frame 112. For example, the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured for linear movement about the top crossbar 118. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to slide across the top crossbar 118. In some embodiments, a user may manually remove and re-attach the three-dimensional structure 120 in desired locations on the top crossbar 118. In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a movement means, such as a motor, for automatically transporting the three-dimensional structure 120 about the top crossbar 118 (or frame 112). Movement of the three-dimensional structure 120 about the top crossbar 118 may allow the user to practice different shot positions in the goal 110.

Further, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional structure 120 may include a vertical axis 135, and the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to pivot about the vertical axis 135 so as to adjust an angle of the three-dimensional structure 120 relative to the goal 110. For example, the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to pivot 90 degrees in a left direction, and 90 degrees in a right direction (from a forward facing position), so as to enable the user to practice shots at different angles. It should be appreciated that 90 degrees is given as an example and the three-dimensional structure 120 may not be limited in its range of movement.

In addition to this, the three-dimensional structure 120 may be height adjustable. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional structure 120 may include a collapsible/extendable portion (not illustrated). For example, the head 123 of the three-dimensional structure 120 may include a collapsible/extendable pole (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the collapsible pole may be telescopic. Adjustment of the height of the three-dimensional structure 120 may allow the user to practice shots at different heights. The movement and adjustability of the three-dimensional structure 120 in combination may replicate lifelike movements of a human, and may replicate differently sized humans.

The attachment means 130 may be configured to attach the three-dimensional structure 120 to the top crossbar 118 of the goal 110, and the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured to stand in the front opening 113. Whilst it is preferable that the three-dimensional structure 120 may attach to the top crossbar 118, it should be appreciated that the attachment means 130 may attach the three-dimensional structure 120 to any part of the frame 112.

In some embodiments, the attachment means 130 may include a first attachment clamp 132. The head 123 of the three-dimensional structure 120 may be configured for attachment to the first attachment clamp 132. The first attachment clamp 132 may include a cylindrical profile 134 to encircle the top crossbar 118. In some embodiments, the attachment means 130 may include the first attachment clamp 132 and a circular peg 137. The circular peg 137 may be attached to the head 123 of the three-dimensional structure 120 at a first end thereof, and a circular second end of the circular peg 137 may fit inside the first attachment clamp 132.

Further, the attachment means 130 may include a second attachment clamp 141 to attach the three-dimensional structure 120 to the left-side post 114, and a third attachment clamp 142 configured to attach the three-dimensional structure 120 to the right-side post 116. In some examples the second attachment clamp 141 and the third attachment clamp 142 may each include a first half 131 and a second half 133 mate-able together via at least one clasp 136. In this embodiment, the first half 131 and the second half 133 may include arcuate configurations to each encircle opposing halves of each post (114, 116).

In some embodiments, grooves 138 may be included on the second attachment clamp 141 and the third attachment clamp 142. Further, the attachment means 130 may include a first structure attachment piece 143 and a second structure attachment piece 144. The first structure attachment piece 143 and the second structure attachment piece 144 may each include a pole 145 and an attachment plate 146. The attachment plate 146 may be configured for attachment to the grooves 138 located on each of the second attachment clamp 141 and the third attachment clamp 142. The pole 145 may be configured for attachment to the three-dimensional structure 120. In some embodiments, the pole 145 may be collapsible.

In some embodiments, at least one pin 147 may be located on each of the second attachment clamp 141 and the third attachment clamp 142. The at least one pin 147 may be collapsible. The first structure attachment piece 143 and the second structure attachment piece 144 may each include at least one aperture 148 for receiving the at least one pin 147, facilitating attachment. The at least one pin 147 may be configured to provide adjustability to the three-dimensional structure 120. Preferably, the user may be able to adjust an angle of the three-dimensional structure 120 using the at least one pin 147. Two apertures 148 are shown in FIG. 7B on the second structure attachment piece 144, however it should be appreciated that the first structure attachment piece 143 and the second structure attachment piece 144 are not limited to two apertures.

Referring now to FIG. 8 showing various views of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a detection means 140 configured for detecting a projectile passing past the three-dimensional structure 120 and into the front opening 113 of the goal 110 (i.e. when the user scores a goal). For example, the detection means 140 may detect a goal in hockey training when it detects a puck passing the hockey goalkeeper 127 (FIGS. 1-5) and into the front opening 113 of the hockey goal 115. The detection means 140 may be sensors, infrared lights, accelerometers, and the like. In some embodiments, the detection means 140 may not be included. Instead, goal determination may be made by the user, or a friend, trainer, etc.

Further, in some embodiments the apparatus 100 may include a score keeping means for keeping track of goal count. The score keeping means may be a sophisticated process such as use of controllers, microchips, logic circuits, and the like. Or the score keeping means may simply be a media such as paper, chalkboard, dry-erase board, etc. for manually keeping score with a pen, pencil, chalk, marker, etc. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a display means for displaying the score. Again, this may be a sophisticated process or manual using similar media as above.

Referring now to FIG. 9 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method of use 800 for using the apparatus for developing goal scoring skills, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method of use 800 may include one or more components or features of the apparatus 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method of use 800 may include the steps of: step one 801, providing the apparatus as above; step two 802, attaching the three-dimensional structure to the frame of the goal via the attachment means; step three 803, placing the three-dimensional structure at a desired location in the goal; step four 804, pivoting the three-dimensional structure about the vertical axis to a desired angle relative to the goal; step five 805, adjusting a height of the three-dimensional structure to a desired height relative to the goal; and step six and seven, aiming 806 and shooting 807 a projectile at the goal.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using an apparatus for developing goal scoring skills are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An apparatus for developing goal scoring skills comprising: a goal including a frame having at least a left-side post, a right-side post, a top crossbar, and a bottom crossbar, the frame further including a net affixed thereto and defining a front opening; and a three-dimensional structure configured to replicate a human goalkeeper and including at least a head, a torso, two arms and two legs, the three-dimensional structure configured to attach to the frame of the goal via an attachment means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured to replicate a life-size human goalkeeper.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the goal is a hockey goal, and wherein the human goalkeeper is a hockey goalkeeper.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the hockey goalkeeper further includes a hockey stick attached about one of the two arms.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes a first attachment clamp configured to attach the three-dimensional structure to the top crossbar.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attachment means further includes a second attachment clamp configured to attach the three-dimensional structure to the left-side post, and a third attachment clamp configured to attach the three-dimensional structure to the right-side post.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the head of the three-dimensional structure is configured for attachment to the first attachment clamp.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first attachment clamp includes a cylindrical profile configured to encircle the top crossbar.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional structure is moveable about and in relation to the frame.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured for linear movement about the top crossbar.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured to slide across the top crossbar.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the three-dimensional structure includes a vertical axis, and wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured to pivot about a vertical axis so as to adjust an angle of the three-dimensional structure relative to the goal.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the three-dimensional structure is height adjustable.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detection means configured for detecting a projectile passing past the three-dimensional structure and into the front opening of the goal.
 15. An apparatus for developing hockey goal scoring skills comprising: a hockey goal including a frame having at least a left-side post, a right-side post, a top crossbar, and a bottom crossbar, the frame further including a net affixed thereto and defining a front opening; a three-dimensional structure configured to replicate a human hockey goalkeeper and including at least a head, a torso, two arms and two legs, the three-dimensional structure configured to attach to the top crossbar of the goal via a first attachment clamp, to the left-side post via a second attachment clamp, and to the right-side post via a third attachment clamp; wherein the head of the three-dimensional structure is configured for attachment to the first attachment clamp; wherein the three-dimensional structure is moveable about the frame; wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured for linear movement about the top crossbar; wherein the three-dimensional structure includes a vertical axis, and wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured to pivot about a vertical axis so as to adjust an angle of the three-dimensional structure relative to the goal; and wherein the three-dimensional structure is height adjustable.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the three-dimensional structure is configured to replicate a life-size human hockey goalkeeper.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a detection means configured for detecting a projectile passing past the three-dimensional structure and into the front opening of the goal.
 18. A method of using an apparatus for developing goal scoring skills, the method comprising the steps of: providing the apparatus for developing goal scoring skills, the apparatus including: a goal including a frame having at least a left-side post, a right-side post, a top crossbar, and a bottom crossbar, the frame further including a net affixed thereto and defining a front opening; a three-dimensional structure configured to replicate a human goalkeeper and including at least a head, a torso, two arms and two legs, the three-dimensional structure configured to attach to the frame of the goal via an attachment means, the three-dimensional structure being moveable about the frame, the three-dimensional structure further including a vertical axis, the three-dimensional structure being configured to pivot about the vertical axis to adjust an angle of the three-dimensional structure relative to the goal, the three-dimensional structure further being height adjustable; attaching the three-dimensional structure to the frame of the goal via the attachment means; placing the three-dimensional structure at a desired location in the goal; pivoting the three-dimensional structure about the vertical axis to a desired angle relative to the goal; adjusting a height of the three-dimensional structure to a desired height relative to the goal; and aiming and shooting a projectile at the goal.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the goal is a hockey goal, and wherein the human goalkeeper is a hockey goalkeeper.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising a detection means configured for detecting a projectile passing past the three-dimensional structure and into the front opening of the goal. 